Roster Analysis

With the Seahawks beginning their first voluntary, veteran minicamp this afternoon, I thought this would be a good time to review the current roster. I also put together the roster to my knowledge here. New2010_Seahawks_Roster Let me know what you think in the comments section.

QuarterbackNumber kept last season:

Three

Currently on roster:

Three

Average number kept since 2002:

Three

Locks:

Matt Hasselbeck, Charlie Whitehurst

In the hunt:

Mike Teel,

Comment

– For the first time since 2002 Hasselbeck will have to compete for his job with newcomer Whitehurst, adding a new dimension to off-season workouts and training camp. I still think it’s unlikely that Whitehurst supplants Hasselbeck as the starter, but he no doubt will get every opportunity to succeed, particularly if Hasselbeck suffers another injury during the regular season. Teel also has been put on notice, as the Seahawks likely will select a developmental quarterback in the draft.

Running back

Number kept last season:

Five

Currently on roster:

Five.

Average number kept since 2002:

5.5

Locks:

Justin Forsett, Julius Jones, Owen Schmitt.

In the hunt:

Quinton Ganther, Louis Rankin

Comment

– Running backs coach Sherman Smith talked about needing “a pair and a spare” in terms of running back depth. Although some would like to see the addition of an explosive playmaker like Clemson’s C.J. Spiller through the draft, Seattle appears to have their pair in Forsett and Jones, and perhaps Ganther and Rankin will compete for the role of spare, although Seattle still needs a short-yardage back.

Wide receiverNumber kept last season:

Five

Currently on roster:

11

Average number kept since 2002:

5.8

Locks:

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch, Deon Butler, Sean Morey

In the hunt:

Ben Obomanu, Ruvell Martin

On the bubble:

Mike Hass, Mike Jones, Patrick Carter

Longer odds:

Mike Williams, Reggie Williams

Comment

– They have a lot of bodies here, but still like an elite No. 1 receiver who demands double coverage on the outside. I’m interested to see what the Williams’ duo can do after an extended period away from the game. And it’s time for young receivers like Obomanu, Butler, Martin and Jones to step their game up for Seattle to improve at this position. Look for the Seahawks to continue to add talent here through the draft.

Tight endNumber kept last season: ThreeCurrently on roster: FourAverage number kept since 2002: ThreeLocks: John Carlson, Chris BakerOn the bubble: Cameron MorrahLonger odds: Jason PociaskComment – With John Owens released they really don’t have a blocking tight end, so I’m interested to see who emerges as a guy who can seal the edge on outside zone runs. According to scouting reports, Baker is more of a pass-catching tight ends. Carlson is potent weapon in the passing game, but an average blocker at best. With Morrah’s ability to stretch the middle of the defense he should be a good fit in the new offense.Offensive lineNumber kept last season: NineCurrently on roster: 9Average number kept since 2002: 9Locks: Walter Jones, Sean Locklear, Chris Spencer, Ray Willis, Max Unger, Steve Vallos.In the hunt: Mansfield Wrotto, Mike GibsonLonger odds: Trevor Canfield, Comment – Seattle really needs to add some depth here, as they don’t even have enough guys to put two offensive line units together. They really only have two tackles if Jones does not participate in workouts this week. Finding a left guard to pair with likely left tackle Sean Locklear is key during the offseason. Overall this unit has to play much better than it did last year for Seattle to consistently score points. And putting together a cohesive unit starts now.

Defensive lineNumber kept last season: NineCurrently on roster: 10Average number kept since 2002: 9Locks: Brandon Mebane, Patrick Kerney, Lawrence Jackson, Colin Cole, Chris ClemonsIn the hunt: Craig Terrill, Nick Reed, Red Bryant, Ricky Foley.Longer odds: Robert Henderson. Comment – A lot of decent, rotational guys who can play but no explosive, elite pass rusher to command double teams. Seattle still needs to either draft that guy or make a move in free agency. LinebackersNumber kept last season: SixCurrently on roster: SevenAverage number kept since 2002: 6.6Locks: Lofa Tatupu, Aaron Curry, David Hawthorne, Will HerringIn the hunt: Leroy Hill, Matt McCoyLonger odds: Anthony HeygoodComment – Hill’s latest incident adds uncertainty to this group. The linebackers are still the strength of the defense, but they need to play a little more consistently throughout the season. Tatupu staying healthy should help younger players like Hawthorne, Curry and Herring reach their potential.

CornerbacksNumber kept last season: FourCurrently on roster: 6Average number kept since 2002: 4.5Locks: Marcus Trufant, Josh Wilson, Kelly JenningsIn the hunt: Roy LewisLonger odds: DeAngelo Willingham, Kennard CoxComment – The Seahawks are hoping that Trufant returns to his old self after struggling with back issues in 2009. But this also is an area where Seattle will look to get bigger through the draft. Both Wilson and Jennings have proven to be effective cover corners in the slot, and Wilson is capable of making game-changing plays in the back end of the defense.

SafetiesNumber kept last season: FourCurrently on roster: TwoAverage number kept since 2002: FourLocks:Jordan BabineauxIn the hunt: Jamar AdamsComment – After releasing veteran safety Deon Grant Seattle only has two safeties currently on the roster and likely will select a couple prospects in the draft. Willingham and Lewis could be candidates to play safety during the minicamp. Similar to corner, the Seahawks need improved play here to shore up their pass defense. SpecialistsSpecialists kept last season: ThreeCurrently on roster: FourAverage number kept since 2002: ThreeLocks: (P) Jon Ryan, (K) Olindo MareIn the hunt: (LS) Patrick MacDonaldLonger odds: (P) Tom MaloneComment – MacDonald appears to have locked up the long snapper. Malone gives the Seahawks another leg in camp, with Ryan likely the man moving on after signing a new deal this offseason. Mare signed his $2.4 million franchise tender and for the first time in three years will not have to compete for his job in training camp.

Never miss a local story.

Sign up today for unlimited digital access to our website, apps, the digital newspaper and more.

About the Seahawks Insider Blog

Gregg Bell joined The News Tribune in July 2014. Bell had been the director of writing for the University of Washington's athletic department for four years. He was the senior national sports writer in Seattle for The Associated Press from 2005-10, covering the Seahawks in their first Super Bowl season and beyond. He's also been The Sacramento Bee's beat writer on the Oakland Athletics and Raiders. The native of Steubenville, Ohio, is a 1993 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and a 2000 graduate of the University of California, Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism.